Boss's Batth Backing

Danny is not going to get outmuscled by anyone and he’s not going to be short of effort"

Dean Saunders

Boss Dean Saunders has backed Danny Batth to take his chances with Wolves ahead of this afternoon’s crucial Molineux clash with Leeds United (3pm).

The powerful 22-year-old defender made his first league start for Wolves at Leicester nine days ago, and is set to keep his place for today’s game as Roger Johnson continues his suspension.

It follows on from an excellent season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday in 2011/12, when Batth made 44 appearances as the Owls gained promotion from League One.

“I’ve been trying to get some players in and we didn’t manage to do that by the deadline, and while I’m working on that (in loan window), Danny has an even better chance,” said the boss.

“He’s a good lad and 100 per cent, I know he’s going to give everything on Saturday.

“He puts his head in, he’s not going to pull out of any challenges and if the ball is going across the goal-line, he’ll put his face in the way, and he’ll do his best for the club.

“That’s all you can ask from him really – I don’t expect him not to ever make mistakes because he’s a young lad.

“But he’s one of those that you don’t lose any sleep over.

“He’s not going to get outmuscled by anyone and he’s not going to be short of effort.

“If Danny plays well and we win and I think he’s done well then he will keep his place.”

Saunders admits in an ideal world Wolves would be better placed in the division and the younger players in the squad such as Batth, Matt Doherty and Anthony Forde would get more regular football.

He added: “Ideally we’d like to be halfway up the league and we could find out how good they are by giving them all a chance – Danny, Matt Doherty and Anthony Forde and all the younger players an opportunity to see if they can all hold their own at this level.

“Then next season we’ll have three young players who we can merge into the squad.

“But it’s not an ideal time when you’re trying to get away from the bottom of the league.”